We’ve been hearing about the miserable weather in Brighton but today the sun is out. What a lovely welcome.

The flight from Singapore was in 2 sections 7 hours to Abu Dhabi a stop for an hour and a half. Stretch the legs then a bigger flight – 7 hours. Bonus. I slept.

Arriving into London with blue skies was a treat. It’s always exciting looking out the window down onto the Thames.

We caught the train into London and then the National rail train to Brighton. Stopping for coffee we were surprised at the costs! ( an outrageous $19. For 2 coffees! ) at Heathrow , got cash, started the eSIM and we were in Brighton by 11.

It’s so old world ‘English seaside’ vibe. Lots of people. The smell of fish and chips. Lots of dogs and a ton of people down by the pebbly waterfront eating fish and chips and licking ice cream.

We had a bite to eat in a great cafe then walked. And walked. I’d read about an area called North Laine. It’s an area of traffic free streets with outdoor stalls, lots of quirky shops, cafes, vape shops, cannabis outlets, boho and homewares. All together. Great fun.

We saw the area with lots of tents including the Spiegeltent for Fringe Festival shows.

There’s not as many posters around advertising Fringe events. despite this our show on Saturday night is a sell out.

Crossing Edward St. the main thoroughfare we walked the Lanes. Full of restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Down to Marine Pde passing the Wagner Theatre where our ‘Bangers and Mash ups ‘ show is on Saturday night. It’s sold out! Amazing. I have 5 friends from this area coming along.

A quick visit to Sainsbury the supermarket for a few supplies to carry the five short blocks back to the air BnB.

Into our flat. Ground floor , facing the ocean, it’s one of the many painted terrace houses that line this road.

It’s one big room decorated with antiques, two big squishy lounges A grand piano and an iron poster bed.

It’s perfect. I love it and could stay a week. And it was less expensive than a hotel.

Our gorgeous friend Yves called in around 6.30 – yes we managed a little snooze to conquer the long travel day.

He suggested dinner at a great little place in the Lanes with a glass of wine first.

We spent so much time catching up that I forgot a photo! We met Yves back in 2013 in a swim trek in Sardinia. We’ve since caught up over many swims. Particularly the long swims Steve has done with our friends Chris, Ben and Dan

If you scroll back in my posts you’ll see our swims together. A memorable one for all the wrong reasons in Hong Kong harbour …

Yves also organised our swim trek to Vanuatu where he was born, with a group of our Brisbane friends. So, we did have lots to talk about.

We ate curry and drank red wine and at 11pm that night fell into the 4 poster iron bed.